The President made this known on Monday when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja. According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting also touched on preparations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events billed to hold in Lagos.
Tinubu noted that discussions at the G-20 meetings this week would focus heavily on youth development, adding that Nigeria’s reform agenda is designed to strengthen economic opportunities for young people.
“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” Tinubu stated. “The reforms are about growth and prosperity. They take into account our demographics and the need for skills development.”
He highlighted the newly launched student loan scheme as a major step in ensuring no Nigerian student drops out due to financial challenges. According to him, the fund guarantees that students who gain admission can remain in school and receive necessary support to complete their studies.
Tinubu further explained that the reform programmes cut across sectors, including digital infrastructure expansion through fibre optic rollout, security improvements, and wider access to technology.
The President also expressed appreciation to humanitarian organisations supporting victims of terrorism across affected regions.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s youthful median age of 17 continues to shape government policy direction. He explained that reforms are being tailored to expand participation, skill acquisition, and economic advancement for the country’s young population.
In his remarks, Prince Edward commended the Tinubu administration’s reforms, noting that they had drawn positive international recognition. He said the Lagos Award ceremonies would honour 320 Nigerian youths for their achievements in skills development, personal growth, and contribution to national development.
He also praised Edun’s commitment to youth development and his role in supporting the Award programme.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, Mr. Muhoho Kenyatta.
